Kisama: Nagaland, a troubled northeastern Indian state, is at the edge of making history, says President Ram Nath Kovind.

“After years of insurgency, there is hope. With the support of the people of the state, of civil society institutions and all stake-holders, there is an opportunity for lasting peace,” the president said and congratulated all the Naga groups for having come so far.

Kovind was in Nagaland on November 1 to open the Hornbill Festival, the state’s most popular event, and attend the State Formation Day celebrations in Kisama, a village on the outskirts of Kohima, the state capital.

Speaking on the occasion, the president said that the Hornbill Festival is the perfect showcase of rich Naga culture and traditions, preserved over the years in the form of music, dance and food. The Hornbill Festival at Kisama and the International Music Festival represent the diversity of Naga society.

The president said that the past half-century has been one of both achievements and difficulties for Nagaland. The people of the state have come through many trials, but their essential talent and wisdom, and their essential goodness, has been so apparent. Today Nagaland is at the edge of making history.

He expressed confidence that a final agreement – one that is fair to all and meets the expectations and aspirations of all – will be reached soon.

President Kovind also said that the youth of Nagaland are the pride of the country. They are the true legatees of Dr T. Ao, the doctor-sportsperson who was the first captain of our national football team after Independence, leading the team in the London Olympics of 1948. Young people from Nagaland are role models for the rest of India.

An illustrious daughter of this state, Temsutula Imsong has won the hearts of the nation for her remarkable work in cleaning the ghats of the river Ganga in Varanasi. Another Naga girl – Chiewelou Thele – was adjudged the best trainee commando in her batch of police officers of Delhi Police and as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, the president said.

Referring to the much touted ‘opposition-less government’ in the state, the President said this is a “unique situation.” “It also offers a chance to resolve long-standing political problems, bring lasting peace – and it can accelerate the process of development and of creating jobs and opportunities,” he added.

Stating that the key to Nagaland’s development is infrastructure and connectivity projects, the president said these will link Nagaland to new markets, both in India and abroad. “That is one of the key goals of the Government of India’s Act East Policy and of its thrust for connectivity in the states of the Northeast, including Nagaland.”

He identified Nagaland’s strengths in its organic farm produce, flowers and fruits, and pointed to the state’s rare medicinal plants and herbs, which can help create jobs to boost the economy. He specifically touted the idea of commercializing the Naga Jolokia or King Chili in a much bigger way.

The President also maintained that Nagaland has the potential to be an attractive tourist destination, offering a unique blend of heritage, culture and spectacular natural beauty.

“Another attribute of society here is the high literacy rate. A young population that is fluent in English, comfortable with Information Technology and forward looking can transport the state and the region into a hub for the services industries of the future,” he added.

“We are among the world’s fastest growing economies,” the President said of India, while adding: “We are also a diverse nation. Our linguistic, ethnic, religious and geographical variety makes India special – and that is our biggest strength. It is an exciting time to be an Indian. And it is an exciting time to be a Naga. Nagaland and the Northeast are central to the India story. Without the development of Nagaland, the development of India will be incomplete.”

Hornbill attracted 12, 200 visitors on the first day.

(Source: Morung Express)